TAMPA BAY, Fla. – Visit Tampa Bay has welcomed Mary Gupta as convention sales national account director, Ashley de Santos as a sales coordinator, and has redeployed its team to take advantage of geographic and industry vertical markets.
Gupta joins Visit Tampa Bay from the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay where she served as the group sales and events manager. With 20 years in the hospitality and tourism industry, extensive Tampa Bay destination knowledge, and a history of building lasting relationships, Gupta will work to specifically target the southeast region of the country, Florida government, and social events. A graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Gupta is recognized as a certified meeting professional and has a virtual meetings and events management certification.
“It is an honor and pleasure to join this incredible organization,” says Gupta. “I look forward to assisting in creating further vibrant economic development for our community.”
With a background in marketing and operations, dos Santos graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in human communication.
“Mary’s vast experience in meeting and event planning will benefit our partners and the event professionals discovering Tampa Bay,” says Santiago C. Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “With the start of the new fiscal year underway and major conventions already in the books, adding members such as Mary and Ashley positions our team to create a substantial impact in our community and industry.”
Kelly Farrell has been promoted to national account manager focusing on small meetings in all areas excluding sports and multicultural groups. Shawna Riggs will now focus on corporate and association events from the Northeast, West Coast, and Canada, as well as education and faith-based programs. Brittany Callahan has transitioned to represent Visit Tampa Bay in the mid-Atlantic market while maintaining the government segment and uncovering new business for the city.
